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Not to be confused with Jerusalem Day

International al-Quds Day (Template:Lang-fa or Template:Lang-fa, Quds Day), is an annual event on the last Friday of Ramadan, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and opposing Zionism as well as the Israeli control of Jerusalem. Anti-Zionist demonstrations are held on this day in some Muslim and Arab countries and by Muslim and Arab communities around the world, but especially in Iran, where the occasion was first introduced by Khomeini. International Day of Al-Quds is not an Islamic religious holiday but a political event open to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

History

The parade originated in Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The observance was mandated by Ayatollah Khomeini, then Supreme Leader of Iran, in August of that year, proclaiming:

I invite Muslims all over the globe to consecrate the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan as Al-Quds Day and to proclaim the international solidarity of Muslims in support of the legitimate rights of the Muslim people of Palestine. For many years, I have been notifying the Muslims of the danger posed by the usurper Israel which today has intensified its savage attacks against the Palestinian brothers and sisters, and which, in the south of Lebanon in particular, is continually bombing Palestinian homes in the hope of crushing the Palestinian struggle. I ask all the Muslims of the world and the Muslim governments to join together to sever the hand of this usurper and its supporters. I call on all the Muslims of the world to select as Al-Quds Day the last Friday in the holy month of Ramadan - which is itself a determining period and can also be the determiner of the Palestinian people’s fate - and through a ceremony demonstrating the solidarity of Muslims world-wide, announce their support for the legitimate rights of the Muslim people. I ask God Almighty for the victory of the Muslims over the infidels.

— Ayatollah Khomeini

In solidarity with the Palestinians, Khomeini declared the liberation of Jerusalem a religious duty to all Muslims.

Beyond events in Iran, events throughout the Arab-Muslim world are also initiated. There is a focus on countries with large Shi'ite populations, particularly in Lebanon where Hezbollah directs Al-Quds Day. Events have also been held in Syria, Iraq, and the Gaza Strip. Hamas and Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine endorse Al-Quds day and hold ceremonies. Outside of the Middle East, Al-Quds Day has taken place in Britain, Germany, Canada, and Asian countries.

Events

Mass marches and rallies take place in Iran on Quds Day. Senior Iranian leaders give fiery speeches condemning Israel ("the regime occupying Jerusalem") as well as the United States. The crowds respond with chants of "Death to Israel" and "Death to the United States."

2009 Quds Day protests

On Quds Day in 2009, millions of Iranians marched for the Palestinian cause in Iran and different countries throughout the Middle East and the world. Supporters of the opposition used the day to stage protests against Ahmadinejad after the disputed Iranian presidential elections, ten people were arrested during the demonstrations. The opposition while protesting was confronted with large crowds against Mir-Hossein Mousavi with slogans such as "Death to the hypocrite Mousavi" and destroying his car. Former president Mohammad Khatami was also present during the march, having his black turban pulled off, a great insult in Shia Islam. The protest was also against government's focus on supporting foreign conflicts with Israel while ignoring the problems ordinary Iranians face domestically.

See also

• Iran-Israel relations
• Jumu'ah-tul-Wida, also on the last Friday in the month of Ramadan

Notes

1. Rafsanjani invited Iranian people to attend the Quds day, BBC Persian
2. Explosion of fury on al Quds day, Abigail Fielding-Smith, The National, September 18, 2009.
3. ^ "Hundeds clash in Iran protests." Metro.co.uk. 18 September 2009. 18 September 2009.
4. Imam Khomeini’s message announcing Quds Day, dated 7 August 1979 (16 Murdad 1358 AHS). Sahifa-y Nur, Vol. 8, p. 229.
5. Khan, M.A. Muqtedar (2004). Jihad for Jerusalem: identity and strategy in international relations. Google Books. p. 157. Retrieved 19 September 2009. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
6. Friedland, Roger (1996). To Rule Jerusalem. Google Books. p. 370. Retrieved 19 September 2009. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
7. ^ "Jerusalem Day". Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. 16 September 2009. Retrieved 19 September 2009.
8. "Millions march in Al-Quds day 2009". Retrieved Sept 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
9. "Protests in Iran". Retrieved Sept 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
10. "Khatami attacked". Retrieved Sept 18, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)

External links

• Official International Quds Day
• Ayotollah Khomeini's pronouncements on al-Quds
• Jihad and jingoism on Iran's streets Guardian Unlimited on Quds Day demonstrations
• Iranian protesters in the 2009 Quds day, shouting slogans against the Iranian government

• Moveable holidays (2014 date missing)
• Jerusalem
• Foreign relations of Iran
• Iran-Israel relations
• Palestinian politics
• Civil awareness days